Discovering Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort

Bantayan Island Nature Park & Resort is an 8-hectare wonderland located in Tami-ao, Bantayan Island, North of Cebu province, Philippines.

I discovered this hidden paradise when I was researching places to stay in Bantayan Island. I got easily attracted by its amenities that's why I entrusted our 4 days and 3 nights vacation here. 
It was Friday morning when we arrived at Sta Fe port. Since we are still undecided if we'll gonna rent a bike or not I called the resort if they could send someone to pick us up at the port. We had to travel more or less 8 kilometers to finally reach our destination. 

Of course it's just another surprise call

The location of the resort is technically in the middle because it is more or less 8 kilometers away from Sta Fe, Bantayan town proper and Madridejos.

If you're looking for a peace of mind this is the perfect place for you because the park is situated on a very secluded location. This isn't just a regular resort because from the name itself it does have a park on it. I listed the things you could try during your visit either an overnight trip or just a day tour.

Yay! We finally arrived! 

Into the nature we go

Captain's resto bar
You may enjoy your beer while playing billiards at the bar with friends. If you also wanted to stay connected to your online life this is a superb spot because the WiFi is absolutely free.

Don't worry you'll never get lost

"Let's play pool while waiting for our meal"

Don't forget to say Hi to Garry the alligator gar at the bar for me please? 

Mini zoo
If you wanted to do some nature tripping you could spend your time at the mini zoo and bond with the animals. Here I met Emo a long tailed macaque monkey that sometimes could be naughty too so please beware. 

I told him smile so he smiled at me!

You will also enjoy seeing different type of birds at the aviary section.

My favorite was mimicking the Brahminy kite because they keep on responding to me! haha. 

 The park also offers pony back riding.

Sto Nino Cave
I didn't had a chance to take a dip at the cave because I was scared of the unknown blame it to my huge imagination. The cave is equipped with lights inside and it is open until 10:00 PM. 

Please exercise extra precaution before entering the cave, make sure to follow the rules posted above

There is no life guard on duty outside the cave, enter at your own risk. If you wish to be accompanied by a staff feel free to do so.

Infinity pool
This was my favorite, right after a very tiring tour outside the park before we go to our room we made sure that we spend at least and hour or two at the pool enjoying the view of the ocean as the sun goes down. It's surprisingly warm that makes you stay longer, no need to deal with purple lips. I believe this was the biggest pool in the island.

A friendly reminder before swimming

An overlooking view of Bantayan Island bay

Thumbs up!

A day before we leave the place we had a chance to enjoy the pool without any distractions. Just the two of us enjoying the deep warm water and the mesmerizing view.

Fish spa
Another YAY! was the fish spa, you can relax and have a nice chat with your love ones while the tiny fishes is busy doing the work on the dry skin of your feet.

Wellness spa
Reward yourself and get a full body massage at their spa after a long day of exploring Bantayan Island.

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Awesome sunrise, sea and Island view at the cliff deck
I've always been a fan of Mr. Sun, I love witnessing as he ascend from the horizon magnificently. If you wanted to see it yourself the cliff deck is the right location for you. You will also adore the sea view and the alluring virgin island on the side.

On our first night we stayed at their standard cottage with partial sea view

The following day we were upgraded to the superior sea view cottage (For FREE!!)
because we had a chance to meet the resort owner who happens to be the president of the resort owners association on the island. 

I discovered that the resort promotes Eco tourism by being the father and the head dreamer of its non government organization called "Damgo sa Kaugmaon" which means dream for the future that benefits the locals by involving them on tourism without obliterating any natural resources and most importantly guiding them to build a better future not just for themselves but also to the next generation.He also shared touching stories of perseverance after it was hit by super typhoon "Haiyan or Yolanda". I will tell you more about it on a separate post.

 A photo with Sir Allan Monreal(Head dreamer) before leaving the resort

Too bad i was not able to explore their site but I would really love to go back there see what else it could offer.

I hope you enjoyed our little tour.

For more information about the place kindly visit their sites below:
Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort website

Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort Facebook page

Watch our trip here

Related links:
Discovering Bantayan Island Nature Park and Resort <--- You're HERE
Exploring Cebu | Sample itinerary
Discovering Bantayan Island - Day 0 to Day 1
Discovering Bantayan Island - Day 2
Discovering Bantayan Island - Day 3 to Day 4 

Bantayan Island, Cebu Expenses

REMINISCING CAPONES ISLAND

One of Zambales' hidden gem

REMINISCING THE SERENITY OF ANAWANGIN

After few trips with these amazing people, here we are again on a secluded cove in Zambales. Far from stress, nothing but good vibes. As far as i could remember this happened almost 4 years ago, it was one of the unplanned trip i had when i started working.

ALL ABOUT TATTOOS | How i start to becomealife-size canvass

As an impulsive person I planned to have my first tattoo (without even thinking twice) on my nape. I coveted Rihanna's star tattoo that's why my first tattoo was stars too, since it is my first time I asked my artist to put only 6 because i am afraid that i might not be able to endure the pain. During our session i learned that having a tattoo isn't really that bad because what i felt was a combination of pain and tickle. After several months i just found myself having my second tattoo. Totoo pala yun, once you're in, you'll get addicted to the process of being inked.

Rihanna's tattoo - photo taken from Google

This time i asked my new found tattoo artist to add 8 more stars to make it 14 (my birthday) and add an Emo but true life statement script below it.

"Within this girl lies a different story"
Medyo madrama pero it's true, what you see isn't always what you get. Just like any other girls i have my personal issues and insecurities. I may look smart and tough sometimes but deep inside i am an imperfect human being with weaknesses. Don't get me wrong but being imperfect is totally normal, we commit mistakes and that's okay what's important is we learn from it and always look at the brighter side of every situation no matter how bad it may be. Life is easy when you face it with a big smile (Just don't do it on a creepy way.)

Pero hindi lang doon nagtapos ang journey ko to be a life size canvass instead this is just the beginning. My next tattoo was done by my colleague's artist but unfortunately it didn't turned out so well which led me to meet my new and last artist named Jay that eventually became a good friend of mine.

Visit his IG account on the link :) 
Why moon? Simply because the sky feels empty without the moon, Why cat? obviously i am a cat person and my cats are my universe.

Left:Old tattoo                                                        Right: Retouched

My next tattoo was handcrafted by Jay again.This time I wanted the sun with breaking waves inside painted on my right leg it since i enjoyed being under the sun and I am an amateur surfer.

This is one of my favorite because it sums up my life. Ako yung tipong ng tao na ayaw ng monotonous life, I always crave for thrill and adventure masaya ako kapag nararamdaman ko yun tinatawag na "adrenaline rush" buwis buhay pero extreme! I call it life with spice, uncertain but 100% not boring. That tattoo is my heart rate - from a normal rate it rapidly change to irregular beat every time i ride a wave.

Photo screen captured from #LIVETOFEEL video

This tattoo was inspired by the #LIVETOFEEL movement. You can read my story on this LINK

Photo screen captured from #LIVETOFEEL video

I looks like a simple tagline of my blog but it's not, its more like a reminder to me to live free, worry less and travel more especially when life seems to be tough. The script can only be read properly when i look on a mirror. 

Last but not the least (i doubt if this would be the last since i am still working on my next design), since i am a self proclaimed mermaid - i had it painted on my right arm. I also asked my artist to add stingray and turtle because those are my most favorite sea creatures aside from whale sharks. To make it more dramatic i intentionally asked my artist not to draw a face to it. This isn't done yet because we still have to add my most favorite part of the day in Baler which is its jaw dropping sun rise.

Hey! Here's the finish product of my shoulder piece (it is still swollen though)

All my tattoos have deep meanings, I always incorporate personal touch on everything i get myself into. It could be an eyesore to some but this is how i express myself and i already accepted that fact that there are people who look on what's superficial rather than digging what's inside. 

The sunrise idea which is now a reality

What i learned for having a tattoo? Just two words, 
"Commitment and Regrets"

Commitment - Bago ka magdecide, you have to weigh things, list down all the pros and cons because having a tattoo is permanent, unless you can afford a laser treatment to erase it for you which i am sure is not a smart thing to do because all the pain you've been to while you're being inked will all be wasted. 

Regrets - Before putting that design on your body that you just got from the internet, you have to be ready because for sure there are people who have the same tattoo as yours that's why i always create the concept on all my tattoos to make it more unique. It's my skin and i should not feel any regrets on all my designs. You have to make sure you pick what's best for you kasi it is your pride and you will carry it forever. Tattoo is forever, it may fade but it will stick to your skin until you die.

I kept on imagining what would i look like when i am old, i bet i will be a cool granny and all my grandchildren will be very proud that they have a cool granny like me! :)

Always remember: Only dead fish go with the flow, It's okay to be different.